Santa Fe vs Libertad: Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Santa Fe could and should have done much better in Asuncion, playing against a team that had been below average in their previous home matches. After their 1-0 defeat in Paraguay, Santa Fe won both their games in Colombia’s championship, they are first in the table, on six more points than second-placed Junior, but got eliminated by Independiente Medellin in Copa Colombia (on penalties). Most, if not all teams rely heavily on their home advantage, in South America and not only, but Santa Fe belong to an even more… special group of teams who rely extra heavily on their home games, and despite losing in Paraguay, they have every reason to believe they have what it takes to bring things upside down at home.

Before hosting Santa Fe in the first leg, Libertad had two draws and one loss in their three previous matches, having looked very-very poor. Somehow they managed to rise to the occasion against the Bogota team, and earned a precious 1-0 win. Last weekend they lost 3-0 at home to Sol de America, playing with some reserves, as they had prioritized this game against Santa Fe. Last year they got eliminated in the first round of the same competition, so to be in the last 16 this year is already a major improvement for Libertad.

Previous 5 matches:

Medellin vs Santa Fe 0-1

Santa Fe vs Medellin 0-0

Santa Fe vs Millonarios 1-0

Libertad vs Santa Fe 1-0

Santa Fe vs Deportivo Cali 2-0

Libertad vs Sol de America 0-3

Libertad vs Independiente FBC 3-0

Libertad vs Santa Fe 1-0

Libertad vs General Diaz 1-2

Cerro Porteno vs Libertad 1-1

Santa Fe’s next game is on Sunday, at home, against Deportivo Pasto (Colombia championship). A day later, Libertad will be visiting Deportivo Capiata (Paraguay championship).

Santa Fe vs Libertad: Head to head Stats

The game in Asuncion three weeks ago was the first ever between these two.

Santa Fe vs Libertad: Prediction

I expect Santa Fe to win, to keep a clean sheet, and to qualify.

Santa Fe vs Libertad: Betting Tips

A simple Santa Fe win pays 1.72. Combined with a clean sheet, this goes up to 2.50, and suits my 2-0 hunch.